His Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan '''Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk''', is a hierarch of the [[Moscow Patriarchate]], [[theologian]], church historian, composer, and television presenter. He is also the author of several volumes on dogmatic [[theology]], [[patristics]] and church history, numerous articles in various languages, and musical compositions.

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His Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan '''Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk''' (born '''Grigoriy Valerievich Alfeyev''', 24 July 1966) is a hierarch of the [[Church of Russia]], [[theologian]], church historian and composer. At present he is the Metropolitan of Volokolamsk, the chairman of the Department of External Church Relations and a permanent member of the [[Holy Synod]] of the [[Church of Russia|Patriarchate of Moscow]]. He is also the author of several volumes on dogmatic theology, [[patristics]] and church history, numerous articles in various languages, and musical compositions for choir and orchestra.

==Biography==

==Biography==

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Hilarion Alfeyev was born on [[July 24]], 1966, in Moscow.

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Grigoriy Valerievich Alfeyev was born on [[July 24]], 1966 in Moscow. From 1972 to 1982 he studied violin, piano and composition at the Moscow Gnessins School and from 1983 to 1986 at the Moscow State Conservatory. From 1984 to 1986 he served in the Soviet military.<ref name=Hilarion-home>[http://hilarion.ru/ Personal webpage of Bishop Hilarion]. Митрополит Иларион (Алфеев).</ref>

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From 1972 to 1982 he studied violin, piano, and composition at the Moscow Gnessins School and from 1983 to 1986 at the Moscow State Conservatory.

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===Church activity===

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In January 1987 he entered the [[Monastery]] of the Holy Spirit in Vilnius, Lithuania, where he was [[tonsure]]d as a [[monk]] on [[June 19]], [[ordination|ordained]] a [[deacon]] on [[June 21]] and ordained a [[presbyter|priest]] on [[August 19]] of the same year.<ref name=Hilarion-home/>

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In January 1987 he entered the [[Monastery]] of the Holy Spirit in Vilnius, Lithuania, where he was [[tonsure]]d as a [[monk]] on [[June 19]], [[ordination|ordained]] a [[deacon]] on [[June 21]] and ordained a [[presbyter|priest]] on [[August 19]] of the same year. Until 1991 he served as a [[parish]] [[priest]] in Lithuania, including two years as dean of Annunciation [[Cathedral]] in Kaunas.

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In 1989 he graduated by correspondence from the [[Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary|Moscow Theological Seminary]] and in 1991 from the [[Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary|Moscow Theological Academy]], with the degree of Master of Theology.

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In 1989 he graduated by correspondence from the [[Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary|Moscow Theological Seminary]] and in 1991 from the [[Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary|Moscow Theological Academy]], with the degree of Master of Theology.

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Until 1991 he had also served as a [[parish]] [[priest]] in Lithuania, including two years as dean of the Annunciation [[Cathedral]] in Kaunas.

From 1993 to 1995 he studied at Oxford University (UK) under the supervision of [[Bishop]] [[Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia|Kallistos Ware]]. In 1995 he completed his doctoral thesis on ''St [[Symeon the New Theologian]] and Orthodox Tradition'' and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

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From 1993 to 1995 he studied at Oxford University (UK) under the supervision of [[Bishop]] [[Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia]]. In 1995 he completed his doctoral thesis on ''St [[Symeon the New Theologian]] and Orthodox Tradition'' and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

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From 1995 to 2001 Hilarion Alfeyev served as Secretary for Inter-Christian Affairs of the Department for External Church Relations of the [[Moscow Patriarchate]]. He also taught part-time at Smolensk and Kaluga Theological Seminaries (Russia), at [[St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (Crestwood, New York)|St Vladimir's]] and [[St. Herman's Orthodox Theological Seminary (Kodiak, Alaska)|St Herman's]] Theological Seminaries (USA) and at Cambridge University (UK).

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From 1995 to 2001 Hilarion Alfeyev served as Secretary for Inter-Christian Affairs of the Department for External Church Relations of the [[Moscow Patriarchate]]. He also taught part-time at Smolensk and Kaluga Theological Seminaries (Russia), at [[St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (Crestwood, New York)|St Vladimir's]] and [[St. Herman's Orthodox Theological Seminary (Kodiak, Alaska)|St Herman's]] Theological Seminaries (USA), as well as at Cambridge University (UK).

On [[December 27]], 2001, he was elected [[bishop]] and on [[January 14]], 2002, consecrated by His Holiness [[Alexei II (Ridiger) of Moscow|Alexy II]], Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, and 10 other hierarchs. He served as an Assistant Bishop of the [[Diocese of Sourozh]] in Great Britain until his nomination, on [[July 17]], 2002, as Head Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.

On [[December 27]], 2001, he was elected [[bishop]] and on [[January 14]], 2002, consecrated by His Holiness [[Alexei II (Ridiger) of Moscow|Alexy II]], Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, and 10 other hierarchs. He served as an Assistant Bishop of the [[Diocese of Sourozh]] in Great Britain until his nomination, on [[July 17]], 2002, as Head Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.

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On [[May 7]], 2003, he was appointed Bishop of Vienna and Austria, administrator of the Diocese of Budapest and Hungary, in addition to his position in Brussels, which he continues to hold.

On [[May 7]], 2003, he was appointed Bishop of Vienna and Austria, administrator of the Diocese of Budapest and Hungary, in addition to his position in Brussels, which he continues to hold.

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Bishop Hilarion is author of more than 500 publications, including four volumes in English: ''St Symeon the New Theologian and Orthodox Tradition'' (Oxford University Press, 2000), ''The Spiritual World of Isaac the Syrian'' (Cistercian Publications, Kalamazoo, MI, 2000), ''The Mystery of Faith: Introduction into the Teaching and Spirituality of the Orthodox Church'' (Darton, Longman and Todd, 2002), and ''Orthodox Witness Today'' (WCC Publications, 2006).

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On [[March 31]], 2009 he was appointed the Bishop of Volokolamsk, the [[Vicar]] to the Patriarch of Moscow, the chairman of the Department of the External Church Relations (the position previously held by Patr. Kirill himself), and a permanent member of the [[Holy Synod]] ex officio.

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On [[Bright Week|Pascha Monday]], 2009, he was raised to the rank of [[Archbishop]] by Patriarch [[Kyrill (Gundyayev) of Moscow|Kyrill]] during the [[Divine Liturgy]] in the [[Dormition Cathedral (Moscow Kremlin)|Dormition Cathedral]] in Moscow.

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Apart from his doctoral degree in philosophy from Oxford, Bishop Hilarion also holds a doctorate in theology from [[St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute (Paris, France)|St Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris]], which was awarded to him in 1999. In February 2005 he was elected a Privat-Dozent of the University of Fribourg (Switzerland).

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In November 2009, Archbishop Hilarion was named to the Board of Trustees of [[St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (Crestwood, New York)|St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary]] in Crestwood, New York.

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On February 1, 2010, he was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan by Patriarch [[Archbishop]] by Patriarch [[Kyrill (Gundyayev) of Moscow|Kyrill]].

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===Scholarly work===

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Bishop Hilarion is author of more than 600 publications, including five volumes in English:

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:*''[http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/ReligionTheology/HistoryofChristianity/EarlyChurch/?view=usa&ci=9780198270096 St Symeon the New Theologian and Orthodox Tradition]'' (Oxford University Press, 2000);

:* ''[http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Faith-Introduction-Teaching-Spirituality/dp/0232524726 The Mystery of Faith: Introduction into the Teaching and Spirituality of the Orthodox Church]'' (Darton, Longman and Todd, 2002); and

:* ''[http://www.amazon.ca/Christ-Conqueror-Hell-Orthodox-Perspective/dp/0881410616/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359416475&sr=1-1 Christ the Conqueror of Hell: The Descent into Hades from an Orthodox Perspective]'' (St Vladimirs Seminary Press, 2009).

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Apart from his doctoral degree in philosophy from Oxford, Bishop Hilarion also holds a doctorate in theology from [[St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute (Paris, France)|St Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris]], which was awarded to him in 1999. In February 2005 he was elected a ''Privat-Dozent'' of the [[w:University of Fribourg|University of Fribourg]] (Switzerland).

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===Musical activity===

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Bishop Hilarion is the author of numerous musical compositions. His ''St Matthew Passion'', grand oratorio for soloists, choir and orchestra, received a standing ovation at its performances at the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory (March 27, 2007)<ref>''[http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=2805 Moscow public applauds Bishop Hilarion’s new masterpiece]'' Interfax. 28 March 2007, 14:52.</ref>, at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome (March 29, 2007)<ref>''[http://www.zenit.org/article-19307?l=english Concert Brings East and West Together].'' ZENIT: The World Seen From Rome. 2007-04-02.</ref>, and at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne (September 28, 2007).

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Equally well received was his ''Christmas Oratorio'', performed in Washington, Boston and New York (December 18-20, 2007) and later in Moscow (January 7 and 15, 2008), as well as his ''[[w:Stabat Mater|Stabat Mater]]'', which had its world premiere in January 2012 under the direction of [[w:Vladimir Spivakov|Vladimir Spivakov]].

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===Ecumenical activity===

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[[Image:HilarionVienna.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Bishop Hilarion speaks to the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.]]

Bishop Hilarion is a member of the Executive and Central Committees of the [[World Council of Churches]], of the Presidium of 'Faith and Order' Commission, as well as of numerous bilateral theological dialogues. In 1998 he headed the five-member Moscow Patriarchate's delegation to the eighth WCC Assembly in Harare, and in February 2006 he headed the Moscow Patriarchate's 21-member delegation to the ninth assembly in Porto-Alegre.

Bishop Hilarion is a member of the Executive and Central Committees of the [[World Council of Churches]], of the Presidium of 'Faith and Order' Commission, as well as of numerous bilateral theological dialogues. In 1998 he headed the five-member Moscow Patriarchate's delegation to the eighth WCC Assembly in Harare, and in February 2006 he headed the Moscow Patriarchate's 21-member delegation to the ninth assembly in Porto-Alegre.

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Bishop Hilarion is a permanent member of the Joint International Commissions for the Theological Dialogue between the [[Orthodox Church]] and the [[Roman Catholic Church]], between the Orthodox Church and the [[Anglican Church]], between the Orthodox Church and the [[World Alliance of Reformed Churches]].

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Bishop Hilarion is a permanent member of the [[w:Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church|Joint International Commissions for the Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church]]; between the Orthodox Church and the Anglican Church; and between the Orthodox Church and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches.

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He is also interested in interfaith dialogue among all major world religions, and currently sits on the Board of World Religious Leaders for the [[w:Elijah Interfaith Institute|Elijah Interfaith Institute]].<ref>''[http://www.elijah-interfaith.org/?id=730 The Elijah Interfaith Institute - Christian Members of the Board of World Religious Leaders].'' Retrieved 2013-01-28.</ref>

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On [[March 31]], 2009 he was appointed the Bishop of Volokolamsk, the [[Vicar]] to the Patriarch of Moscow, the chairman of the Department of the External Church Relations (the position previously held by Patr. Kirill himself), and a permanent member of the [[Holy Synod]] ex officio.

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On October 10, 2007, Bishop Hilarion walked out of an important meeting of the Orthodox-Roman Catholic International Theological Commission at Ravenna, allegedly in protest against the choice of delegates by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His action was approved by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.

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On Pascha Monday, 2009, he was raised to the rank of [[archbishop]] by Patriarch Kirill during the [[Divine Liturgy]] in [[Dormition Cathedral (Moscow Kremlin)|Dormition Cathedral]] of the Moscow Kremlin.

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On October 5, 2008 he took part in the "Bible Marathon" organized by the Italian state TV channel RAI-Uno.<ref>''"[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=123AB697D2D28310&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Pope Kicks off Seven Day Bible Marathon]".'' San Jose Mercury News. 6 October 6, 2008. Retrieved January 28, 2013.</ref> He read Chapter Two from the [[Genesis|Book of Genesis]], immediately following Pope [[Benedict XVI]], who read Chapter One. Alfeyev was followed by 1246 readers from various countries.

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In November 2009, Abp. Hilarion was named to the Board of Trustees of [[St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (Crestwood, New York)|St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary]] in Crestwood, New York.

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In September 2009, at the invitation of Cardinal Walter Kasper, he visited Pope [[Benedict XVI]] and several officials of the Roman Curia who have key roles in Roman Catholic ecumenical dialogue.<ref>''[http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=6464 Archbishop Hilarion shares with Pope his concern about Orthodox dioceses in Ukraine destroyed by the Uniates].'' Interfax-Religion. 21 September 2009, 13:19.</ref>

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On February 1, 2010, he was elevated to the rank of metropolitan by Patr. Kirill.

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Late in 2010, Bishop Hilarion gave an important speech to senior Anglican bishops and professors at the Nikean Club dinner at [[w:Lambeth Palace|Lambeth Palace]], criticizing proposals for the ordination of women bishops and the alleged toleration of homosexual activity by some Anglicans.<ref>''[http://www.mospat.ru/en/2010/09/10/news25819/ Address by Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations to the Annual Nicean Club Dinner (Lambeth Palace, 9 September 2010)].'' Department for External Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church. 10.09.2010.</ref>

==Bibliography==

==Bibliography==

===Books===

===Books===

'''In English:'''<br>

'''In English:'''<br>

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1.''St Symeon the New Theologian and Orthodox Tradition''. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.<br>

:<small>''Orthodox and Anglican Churches are on different sides of the abyss, says Russian Orthodox leader.''</small>

[[Category:Bishops]]

[[Category:Bishops]]

Revision as of 00:26, January 29, 2013

His Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk (born Grigoriy Valerievich Alfeyev, 24 July 1966) is a hierarch of the Church of Russia, theologian, church historian and composer. At present he is the Metropolitan of Volokolamsk, the chairman of the Department of External Church Relations and a permanent member of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Moscow. He is also the author of several volumes on dogmatic theology, patristics and church history, numerous articles in various languages, and musical compositions for choir and orchestra.

Contents

Biography

Grigoriy Valerievich Alfeyev was born on July 24, 1966 in Moscow. From 1972 to 1982 he studied violin, piano and composition at the Moscow Gnessins School and from 1983 to 1986 at the Moscow State Conservatory. From 1984 to 1986 he served in the Soviet military.[1]

From 1995 to 2001 Hilarion Alfeyev served as Secretary for Inter-Christian Affairs of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. He also taught part-time at Smolensk and Kaluga Theological Seminaries (Russia), at St Vladimir's and St Herman's Theological Seminaries (USA), as well as at Cambridge University (UK).

On December 27, 2001, he was elected bishop and on January 14, 2002, consecrated by His Holiness Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, and 10 other hierarchs. He served as an Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Sourozh in Great Britain until his nomination, on July 17, 2002, as Head Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.

On May 7, 2003, he was appointed Bishop of Vienna and Austria, administrator of the Diocese of Budapest and Hungary, in addition to his position in Brussels, which he continues to hold.

On March 31, 2009 he was appointed the Bishop of Volokolamsk, the Vicar to the Patriarch of Moscow, the chairman of the Department of the External Church Relations (the position previously held by Patr. Kirill himself), and a permanent member of the Holy Synod ex officio.

Musical activity

Bishop Hilarion is the author of numerous musical compositions. His St Matthew Passion, grand oratorio for soloists, choir and orchestra, received a standing ovation at its performances at the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory (March 27, 2007)[2], at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome (March 29, 2007)[3], and at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne (September 28, 2007).

Equally well received was his Christmas Oratorio, performed in Washington, Boston and New York (December 18-20, 2007) and later in Moscow (January 7 and 15, 2008), as well as his Stabat Mater, which had its world premiere in January 2012 under the direction of Vladimir Spivakov.

Ecumenical activity

Bishop Hilarion speaks to the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.

Bishop Hilarion is a member of the Executive and Central Committees of the World Council of Churches, of the Presidium of 'Faith and Order' Commission, as well as of numerous bilateral theological dialogues. In 1998 he headed the five-member Moscow Patriarchate's delegation to the eighth WCC Assembly in Harare, and in February 2006 he headed the Moscow Patriarchate's 21-member delegation to the ninth assembly in Porto-Alegre.

He is also interested in interfaith dialogue among all major world religions, and currently sits on the Board of World Religious Leaders for the Elijah Interfaith Institute.[4]

On October 10, 2007, Bishop Hilarion walked out of an important meeting of the Orthodox-Roman Catholic International Theological Commission at Ravenna, allegedly in protest against the choice of delegates by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His action was approved by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.

On October 5, 2008 he took part in the "Bible Marathon" organized by the Italian state TV channel RAI-Uno.[5] He read Chapter Two from the Book of Genesis, immediately following Pope Benedict XVI, who read Chapter One. Alfeyev was followed by 1246 readers from various countries.

In September 2009, at the invitation of Cardinal Walter Kasper, he visited Pope Benedict XVI and several officials of the Roman Curia who have key roles in Roman Catholic ecumenical dialogue.[6]

Late in 2010, Bishop Hilarion gave an important speech to senior Anglican bishops and professors at the Nikean Club dinner at Lambeth Palace, criticizing proposals for the ordination of women bishops and the alleged toleration of homosexual activity by some Anglicans.[7]

Bibliography

Books

In English:
1. St Symeon the New Theologian and Orthodox Tradition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.
2. The Spiritual World of Isaac the Syrian. Cistercian Studies No 175. Kalamazoo, Michigan: Cistercian Publications, 2000.
3. The Mystery of Faith: Introduction to the Teaching and Spirituality of the Orthodox Church. London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2002.
4. Orthodox Witness in a Modern Age. Geneva: WCC Publications, 2006.
5. Christ the Conqueror of Hell: The Descent into Hell in Orthodox Tradition. New York: SVS Press (in preparation).